Dispenser for granular or powdered food products, for example grated cheese and similar loose food products , and corresponding manufacturing process

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a dispenser ( 101 ) of granular or powdered food products ( 119 ), e.g. grated cheese and similar loose food products. The dispenser ( 101 ) is a bi-valve holder ( 120 ), comprising a first valve ( 104 ) and a second valve ( 105 ) closed on themselves, with each valve ( 104, 105 ) moulded in one piece out of a single sheet of plastic synthetic material, said valves being joined along an edge line ( 106 ). At least one valve is equipped with a dispensing hole ( 114 ) and a label ( 116 ), removable by tearing, to cover the hole ( 114 ). Said valves ( 104, 105 ) before the sealing step, have heat-sealed side edges ( 109, 110 ) and approached top edges ( 111, 112 ). Advantageously, an automatic process is provided to manufacture said dispenser comprising the following steps: opening of the dispenser upper end by pressing on said side edges ( 109, 110 ) with subsequent expansion due to the fact that said top edges ( 111, 112 ) move away from each other, filling with the loose food product ( 119 ) through said opening; heat-sealing of said top edges ( 111, 112 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates, particularly but not exclusively, to adispenser for granular or powdered food products, such as grated cheeseand the like food products in loose form.

[0002] The invention relates, particularly but not exclusively, to thepackaging, the long-term preservation and the dispensing of such dairyproducts as grated cheese, and this description covers this field ofapplication for convenience of illustration only.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Already for some years, there has been growing acceptance by theconsumer public of certain food products which, despite their perishablenature, can be bought at the food store in an as-fresh condition byvirtue of the products having been packaged under an inert medium and/orstored at a low temperature, e.g. at +4° C.

[0004] A typical example may be that of freshly made “pasta”, regardednowadays as a product with a medium shelf-life to be kept in the cooledcounters of food stores.

[0005] Packaging techniques have been developed which represent usefulcontributions towards preserving the organoleptic characteristics offood products, and which suit different sorts of perishable products andconsumption styles. For dairy products, such as e.g. aged cheese, apackaging technique has long been in use, whereby cheese cuts are vacuumpackaged under a transparent film envelope, the film being wrappedaround the product and heat sealed in the process of drawing the vacuum.Further as relates to aged cheese, consumers appear to welcomepre-grated cheese, which are customarily sold in pliant bag packages.

[0006] Another way of storing grated cheese in a durable manner is topack it into tray-type containers of a thermoformed plastics material,which containers are closed at the top with a sheet cover heat sealedall around the container rim. Although advantageous on several counts,such containers are of limited serviceability for, once opened forconsumption, they cannot be re-sealed to ensure a good preservation ofthe product, so that the latter has to be consumed within acomparatively short period of time.

[0007] In this context, there also ekists a growing demand fromconsumers for containers that can also serve as dispensers of a looseproduct packaged therein.

[0008] For this purpose, the prior art provides rigid containers of agenerally cylindrical shape, which mount sophisticated dispensing andre-sealing structures effective to preserve, within limits, theorganoleptic characteristics of the product and at the same time ensurethat it can be conveniently dispensed.

[0009] These dispensing containers have major limitations in their highcost, due to the complicated construction of their dispenser part, andin their unsuitability to provide disposable packages, a form that islooked upon favorably by both consumers and store operators.

[0010] A cheaper alternative is disclosed in Italian Utility ModelPatent No. RE95U000016, which provides a cup-shaped container that isclosed at the top with a sheet cover heat-sealed to the cup rim, thecontainer having an aperture at its bottom for dispensing its contents.

[0011] The last-mentioned solution is quite inexpensive, but has failedto attract commercial interest due to an important flaw in its design.The downward tapering shape of the cup combines with the weight of itscontents to funnel and crowd the granular particles toward the cupbottom. Thus, the particles becomes tightly packed and cannot bedispensed through the bottom opening any more. This effect is enhancedin the case of products with a high moisture content, such as gratedcheese.

[0012] The technical problem underlying this invention is that ofproviding a dispenser for loose food products, in particular granular orpowdered products such as grated cheese, with appropriate structural andfunctional features to allow a long-term preservation of the foodproducts therein contained, as well as to facilitate dispensing inprecise amounts, thereby to overcome the drawbacks outlined withreference to the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0013] The principle upon which the solution proposed in the presentinvention is founded is that of providing a dispenser in the form of atray-type container having at least one side wall formed with adischarge port that is normally closed by a tear-off label.

[0014] Based on this principle, the technical problem is solved by adispenser as previously indicated and defined in the characterizing partof claims 1 and following.

[0015] The features and advantages of a dispenser according to theinvention will be apparent from the following description of anembodiment thereof, given by way of non-limitative example withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] In the drawings:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dispenser of loosefood products according to the invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment ofthe inventive dispenser;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodimentof the inventive dispenser;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a modified embodiment ofthe inventive dispenser;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 2;and

[0022]FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3.

[0023]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a dispenser of loose foodproducts according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 8 shows a further perspective view of the dispenser accordingto the invention;

[0025]FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of theinvention for implementing the manufacturing process of the dispensershown in FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of theembodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0027]FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a further detail ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0028]FIG. 12 shows a partial section schematic perspective view of afurther detail the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0029]FIGS. 13 and 14 show vertical elevation schematic side and frontviews, respectively, of the dispenser shown in FIG. 7.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] With reference to the drawing views, a dispenser of granular orpowdered food products, such as grated cheese or the like loose foodproducts, according to this invention, is shown at 1 in schematic formand is adapted to conserve food products durably therein.

[0031] The dispenser 1 also serves as a container for the food product,a granular type of food product being generally shown at 10. Thisdispenser is also suitable for long-term storage of the products thereinin the cooled counters of food stores.

[0032] Advantageously in this invention, the dispenser 1 comprises atray-type container 2, which is closed at the top with a sheet cover 3of a synthetic material heat-sealed all around the tray rim.

[0033] The container 2 is preferably made of a thermoformed syntheticplastics material for food applications. The product 10 is contained andpreserved in the dispenser 1 under an inert atmosphere, preferablynitrogen gas.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the container 2 is thermoformed from amulti-layer sheet of a transparent synthetic material. Moreparticularly, the multi-layer sheet comprises: an outward layer ofpolystyrene, polyolefin, or polyester resins; an intermediate barrierlayer, e.g. ethylvinyl alcohol; and an inward layer of weldablepolyesters.

[0035] The intermediate layer is substantially air-impervious and exertsan antagonist activity towards oxygen. Thus, the intermediate layerserves an anti-ageing function that contributes to a proper and durableproduct preservation.

[0036] Sheet 3 also has a multi-layered structure and includes anoxygen-antagonist intermediate layer.

[0037] The tray-type container has a shallow elongate shape, with alength dimension L greater than the width N, and a depth H being ¼ to ½the length L.

[0038] Preferably, the depth H of the tray-type container is less thanone-third its length L.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one side wall 4 of the tray is formedwith a discharge port 5 through which the loose granular product canflow out in use of the dispenser by a consumer of the product. In such away, the granular product is not crammed against the discharge port 5 bygravity, and the flaking off and delivery of the grated cheese isfacilitated.

[0040] The port 5 is circular and has a diameter of 14 to 22 mm,preferably of 16 mm.

[0041] A label 6 is applied originally over the port. 5 to keep thedispenser 1 sealed throughout its shelf life, and is adapted to be tornoff by the consumer. The label 6 also includes a barrier layer of thesame type as that provided in the structure of the container 2.

[0042] The label 6 is of a self-sticking type with an adhesive-free tab9 providing a grip for tearing off the label. Alternatively, the label 6could be heat sealed.

[0043] The dispenser 1 is also provided with a stopper 11 for quickapplication to the port 5 to close it again after use. If desired, thestopper 11 may be perforated and include a snap-on cap.

[0044] In a second embodiment, shown particularly in FIG. 2, thedispenser 1 has a side wall 4′ set at an angle β of inclination to thecontainer bottom 7. This dispenser also has a flat side wall portion 4″set at a smaller angle α of inclination to the tray bottom 7 than angleβ. The discharge port 5 for the product is provided in the flat portion4″, so as to further facilitate the flaking off and delivery of thegranular product in use of the dispenser.

[0045] In the dispenser of this invention, the side walls actuallydefine a funnel-shaped section in the tray, but the discharge port 5 isformed laterally in said funnel-shaped section, i.e. through a side wallrather than the bottom as in the state of the art.

[0046] In this way, the product aggregation and packing at the traybottom, which made its issuing out of conventional dispenserspractically impossible, is avoided.

[0047] In the dispenser of this invention, the port formed in a sidewall has proved effective to promote the flaking off and the regulardelivery of the product as required.

[0048] Of course, the port 5 in the wall 4″ would also be covered with aself-sticking or heat-sealed label adapted to be torn off.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the tray container ofthe dispenser 1 is boat-shaped.

[0050] Advantageously, the discharge port 5 for the product is providedin the pointed forward end of the boat shape.

[0051] Here too, the port 5 is covered with a label 6, and a stopper 11for re-closing the container is provided for quick application to theport 5.

[0052] In this particular embodiment, a side wall 12 of the tray-typecontainer 2, located opposite from the side wall 4 with the port 5,advantageously extends almost square to the container bottom 7. Thisallows the dispenser 1 to stand upright on said wall 12.

[0053] Alternatively, a pad 13, located at the container bottom 7, maybe associated with the wall 12 of the tray-type container 2 oppositefrom the side wall 4. The pad 13 has preferably an adhesive-coatedsurface for quick attachment to the side wall 12 of the dispenser 1, andis useful to prop up the dispenser 1, such that the latter can restupright on the top edge of the wall 12 and the pad 13.

[0054] Another embodiment of the dispenser 1 according to the inventionwill now be described briefly with reference to FIG. 4.

[0055] In this embodiment, the dispenser 1 is cup-shaped as at 16, andthe port 5 is provided in a flat portion 14 of the cup side wall closeto the cup bottom 15.

[0056] Here again, the cup-shaped container is made from a thermoformedtransparent multi-layer sheet, and closed at the top with a sheet cover3 of a synthetic material, which is heat-sealed around the cup rim.

[0057] In addition, the port 5 is covered with the tear-off label 6,which label will then leave the place to the stopper 11 for re-closingthe dispenser.

[0058] The dispenser of this invention does solve the technical problem,and affords advantageous features, foremost among which is that itdoubles as a container for the long-term storage of food products underan inert atmosphere, and as a uniquely serviceable dispenser.

[0059] In fact, the grated product is allowed to run out smoothly andcontrollably, and even in the event of a product with a high moisturecontent tending to aggregate into lumps, a gentle shaking of thedispenser is enough to restore the product to its loose granular formfor an efficient delivery.

[0060] In all conditions of use, the product will always be dischargedthrough one side, and will not crowd toward the discharge port under itsown weight, as is instead the case with conventional dispensers.

[0061] All of the above-described embodiments of the container accordingto the invention are suitable for a very large volume production and forbeing filled and sealed by means of currently available automaticfilling apparatus.

[0062] Furthermore, the dispenser of this invention allows the foodproducts packaged in it to be preserved and used for a relatively longtime after the package is unsealed.

[0063] Now, with reference to the drawings FIGS. 7 to 14, a furtherembodiment is disclosed. In this embodiment a dispenser of granular orpowdered food products, such as grated cheese and similar loose foodproducts, embodying the invention and effective for the long-termpreservation of said food products, is generally shown at 101 inschematic form.

[0064] The dispenser 101 also serves as holder 120 of the food productand the granular food products packed therein are generally shown at119. Said dispenser is also suitable for the long-term storage of theproducts 119 in the cooled counters of food stores.

[0065] Advantageously in the invention, the dispenser 101 issubstantially bi-valve and is moulded out of a single sheet 103 ofplastic synthetic material. The dispenser 101 is preferably made out ofthermoformed plastic synthetic material for food application. Theproducts 119 are packed and stored in the dispenser 101 in an inertatmosphere, preferably nitrogen.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, sheet 103 is a multilayer sheet oftransparent synthetic material. More particularly, the multilayer sheetcomprises an outer layer, i.e. environment-side, of polystyrene,polyolefine or polyester resins; an intermediate barrier layer, e.g.ethylvinyl alcohol, and an inner layer, i.e. product-side, ofheat-sealable polymers. The sheet 103 is preferably only 0.4 mm thickand the intermediate layer only few tens of microns.

[0067] The intermediate layer is substantially air-proof and effectiveto repel the oxygen molecules; therefore, thanks to its anti-ageingfunction, said intermediate layer favours the convenient and long-termfood product preservation.

[0068] In detail, the bi-valve dispenser 101 comprises a first valve 104and a second valve 105, wherein the two valves 104, 105 are moulded inone piece, the valves being joined along an edge line 106.

[0069] Each valve 104 and 105 has substantially a tray-type elongateflat shape, with the length L greater than the width N and a limiteddepth H, for example comprised between 20% and 40% of the length L.Moreover, the tray width N is preferably less than half of the length L.

[0070] By way of non-limiting example, a dispenser 101 adapted forstoring about 165 cc of loose product has a length L of 112 mm, a widthN of 52 mm and a depth H of 19 mm.

[0071] The edge line 106, effective to keep the valves joined, is anhinge line around which the valves are closed on themselves aftermoulding. The edge line 106 coincides with a short side edge N of thetray shape so that, with the valves closed on themselves, the dispenserhas a flat supporting bottom 102, the edge line 106 centrally extendingto said bottom 102.

[0072] When the valves 104, 105 are closed on themselves, they arejoined by juxtaposed edges. More precisely, said valves have coincidentedges: edge line 106, heat-sealed side edges 109, 110, but simplyapproached top edges 111, 112. The edges 109, 110, 111 and 112 protrudesidewise and peripherally from the holder 120 of about 5 mm, thusproviding side ribbings 107 and 108 effective to serve as barrier,thanks to the appropriate side thickness. Said ribbings also play arelevant role in the manufacturing process of the dispenser 101, as willbe apparent in the following description.

[0073] In correspondence with each valve, the dispenser 101advantageously has a top portion 113 sloping to the longitudinal axis.Said portion 113 is flat and substantially weathered with an inclinationangle of about 60°.

[0074] Said flat portion 113 comprises a dispensing hole 114. Said hole114 is circular, with a diameter comprised between 14 and 22 mm,preferably 16 or 20 mm.

[0075] The granulated loose product can flow out through said hole 114while the consumer is using the dispenser. In fact, due to the slopingportion 113, the product is not crammed against the dosing hole 114: itis thus possible to avoid the product to be crowded and stuck, and,indeed, the grated cheese can be easily dispensed.

[0076] In the dispenser according to the invention, the dispenser topdefines a funnel-shaped section, but the dispensing hole 114 is formedsidewise in said funnel-shaped section, i.e. in correspondence with thesloping side wall 113. In this way, it is avoided for the product tocrowd and stuck, which made its dispensing practically impossible.

[0077] In the dispenser according to the invention the hole 114 in theside wall 113 has proved to be effective to favour the smooth dispensingof the product according to necessity.

[0078] A label 116, removable, by tearing by the consumer, is applied tocover the hole 114 during the holder filling and the shelf life of thedispenser 101. The label 116 also comprises a barrier layer identical tothat provided in'the structure of the thermoformed sheet 103.

[0079] The label 116 is preferably, but not exclusively, self-adhesivewith an adhesive-free grip 115 essentially used for label tearing.Alternatively, the label may be heat-sealed, as described hereinafter.

[0080] The dispenser 101 is also provided with a closing plug 117 forquick application to said hole 114. The plug 117 is made out of plasticmaterial for food applications.

[0081] For sale in food stores, the dispenser 101 is provided with acellophane protective cover wrapping also the plug 117, as shown in FIG.7.

[0082] The invention relates also to an automatic process for automaticmanufacturing the dispenser as defined in claims 32 and following.

[0083] The operative step sequence of an automatic process for fillingand sealing the dispenser 101 according to the invention will now bedescribed in greater detail, with particular reference to the exampleshown in FIG. 9. At this purpose, an apparatus 130, suitably structuredfor completing the filling and assembling the dispenser 101, isprovided.

[0084] Said apparatus 130 comprises a plurality of workstations 145,155, 160, 170 and 175 and a turntable 131 with a circular rotating plate132, equipped with a plurality of slots 133 for corresponding holders120.

[0085] Said slots 133 are located perimetrically on the plate 132 atregular distance; for example, as shown in FIG. 3, eight slotsreciprocally angularly spaced by an angle of 45° are provided. Each slot133 basically comprises a well housing 134 wherein the lower portion 135of an holder 120 is inserted and held so to keep the holder standingupright or, however, with its main axis x-x perpendicular to the planeof the plate 132.

[0086] The well housing 134 is provided with shape fit to the lowerportion 135 of the holder 120. At this purpose, the housing 134 isessentially rectangular with short side walls, wherein opposed grooves136, 137 are formed for engagement with the corresponding side ribbings107, 108 of the holder 120.

[0087] Advantageously, each slot 133 is combined with a pliers 138having opposed jaws 140, 141 operating on the side ribbings 107, 108 ofeach holder 120. The jaws 140, 141 are continually initiated to open bysprung means 139 and to close by actuator means 142, shown in FIG. 10,which force the pliers 138 to pinch sidewise the holder 120 inopposition to the sprung means 139.

[0088] The operation of each pliers 138, together with the correspondingslot 133, is interlocked with computerised check and control means 150.

[0089] Due to the grip of the jaws 140 and 141, each holder 120 issidewise compressed in correspondence with the ribbings 107, 108,leading to an expansion of the upper end of the holder 120, and thus toa temporary open mouth configuration thereof caused by elasticdeformation.

[0090] The different workstations, described hereinafter, are locatedaround the turntable 131, which turns, e.g. clockwise.

[0091] A first feeding station 145 supplies the turntable 131 with theholders 120. The station 145 is the free end of a belt conveyer 146drawing the holders 120 from a warehouse, conventional and thus notshown. The conveyer 146 is operated by electric motors and equipped withlimit stop sensors which allow to quit its movement when a slot 133 ofthe turntable 131 fits in a grip position located beneath the conveyerfree end.

[0092] A following punching station 155 enables the hole 114 to bedrilled in the side wall portion 113 of the holder 120.

[0093] In correspondence with said punching station 155, the holder 120is sidewise pinched by the pliers 138, as just described, its upper endbeing open. A clashing element 156, essentially anvil-shaped, isinserted into the holder 120 and positioned close to the inner surfaceof the side wall portion 113 to oppose to the thrust of a punch 157operated by pneumatic means. The clashing element 156 is positioned atthe end of an arm 158 operated by motor means along a substantiallydownward trajectory.

[0094] The punch 157 is preferably a hollow cylindrical tubular elementwith sharp free end effective to drill a hole in the side wall portion113 of the holder 120. Said punch 157 is operated to reciprocallyapproach to and move away from the side wall portion 113 of the holder120. At the same time, this operation, referred to as punching, alsoallows the removal of the scrap, i.e. the circular discarded element,which is hold inside the tubular punch, packed with the previous scrapsand discharged at the opposed end of the tubular element.

[0095] At the end of this operation, the clashing element 156 isextracted from the holder with inverse movement to the previouspositioning thereof.

[0096] A following covering or labelling station 160 enables a closinglabel 166 to be applied to the previously drilled hole.

[0097] Each label 166 is drawn from a tape 161 suitable for holding thelabels up to their use. Alternatively, the tape 161 can be made out of aplastic synthetic material incorporating the barrier layer and labels166 can be formed directly in the tape 161 and substantially divided bya marked circular breaking line. The tape 161 is winded around a firstreel 163 and extended in the workstation 160 along a broken line path.

[0098] The labelling station 160 comprises a first tape 161 unwindingreel 163 and a second scrap tape winding reel 164 located above theholder 120.

[0099] A presser 165, located beside the hole 114 to be closed, operateson the tape 161 to tear a label 166 from the tape and apply it to theholder 120 to close the hole 114. The presser 165 performance is equalto the action of a hand finger tip keeping on pressing to achieve anoptimum bond of the label 166 and avoid any possible channels whichwould make the barrier layer ineffective.

[0100] A following filling station 170 comprises a funnel-shaped hopper171 effective to load the granulated food product into the holder 120.More particularly, a pair of channels 172, 173 for main and fine feedingrespectively, are provided to dispense into the hopper 171 apredetermined and weighted quantity of product according to methodsknown in this field.

[0101] At the end of the filling with the granulated food product, thedispenser 1 is drawn by a grip arm 175 of a shunting station 177 whichalternately loads the dispenser 101 in a corresponding slot 183 of apair of outer turntables 178, 179 associated to the turntable 131 andbelonging to the welding stations 181, 182 respectively.

[0102] The shunting station 177 is located between the turntables 178and 179, close to the turntable 131, and comprises a star-shapedrotating plate 176 equipped, at the star ends, with grip pliers 184grasping each dispenser 101 for transferring it alternately in a slot183 of the turntables 178 or 179. The rotating plate 176 also serves todischarge the dispensers 101 at the end of the welding step.

[0103] The welding stations 181, 182 are split with respect to the otherworkstations since the time required for sealing the upper end of thedispenser 101 is almost twice the time required for completing the otheroperative steps in the stations 145, 155, 160 and 170. In fact, stations181 and 182 are provided for completing the welding of the dispenserupper end simultaneously to the just described operative steps.

[0104] Advantageously, each welding station 181, 182 comprises a pair ofpress cylinders 185, 186 operated to reciprocally move away and approachin correspondence with the dispenser 101 top.

[0105] Each cylinder 185, 186 has a heated arch-shaped operative head,its profile corresponding to the top approached edges 111, 112 of thedispenser 101.

[0106] Moreover, heating elements 187 are provided to heat the cylinderoperative heads so that the heating, together with a repeatedcompression, enable the edges 111, 112 to be constrained to each other,thus obtaining a heat-sealing effect.

[0107] Advantageously, immediately before the welding step but with theholder 120 already positioned for the welding, the remaining air issucked from the holder and replaced by an inert atmosphere, preferablynitrogen. The process for performing this operation is substantiallyknown in this specific field and the relevant detailed description isthus omitted.

[0108] At the end of the welding step, a further cold pressure isprovided immediately after, in order to confer a suitable stiffness tothe heat-sealed edges 111 and 112.

[0109] The previous description clearly shows how the dispenser of theinvention and the corresponding manufacturing process solve thetechnical problem and afford several advantages, foremost among which isthat the dispenser, formed as just described, has a double function,serving both as holder for inert atmosphere long-term preservation offood products and uniquely practical and functional dispenser.

[0110] In fact, the dispenser-holder is so manufactured as to preventthe barrier layer, effective to repel oxygen penetration, from beingstressed and weakened. Moreover, the particular dispenser shape favoursthe gradual dispensing of the grated product and, even with crumbstypical of products with high moisture content, a slight dispensershaking is sufficient for the product to become again so loose andgranulated as to be conveniently dispensed.

[0111] In all conditions of use, the product is always dispensedsidewise and the product weight will not crowd towards the dispensinghole, as is instead the case with conventional dispensers.

[0112] The dispenser according to the invention suits very large volumeproduction and can be filled and sealed in a completely automated way bymeans of the previously described apparatus for implementing the fillingand sealing process according to the invention.

[0113] The dispenser according to the invention allows thus the foodproduct packed therein to be used for a relatively long time, at thesame time ensuring its good preservation.

[0114] Moreover, known dispensers are moulded and thermoformed out of asheet of plastic synthetic material for food applications. Generally,said sheet is a multilayer sheet comprising an intermediate barrierlayer, e.g. ethylvinyl alcohol, which is substantially air-proof,effective to repel oxygen molecules and, thanks to its anti-ageingfunction, favouring the convenient and long-term food productpreservation. Unfortunately the plies undergone by the syntheticmaterial sheet during the dispenser thermoforming make the barrier layerso thin and weak that the oxygen molecule repellent action thereof isendangered.

[0115] On the contrary, the present invention allows obtaining a lowcost dispenser equipped with an effective barrier layer since thethermoforming phase is not pushed to an extreme being the dept of eachvalve of the bi-valve dispenser substantially half of conventional traytape containers.

1. A dispenser (1, 101) for granular or powdered food products (10,110), such as grated cheese and the like food products in loose form,characterized in that it comprises a tray-type container (102, 104,105), closed at the top with a cover heat-sealed around the tray rim, atleast one side wall (4, 113) of the tray being provided with a dischargeport (5, 114), and a tear-off label (6, 116) which have a multi-layeredstructure incorporating an antagonist barrier layer and is arranged tocover the port (5, 114).
 2. A dispenser (1) according to claim 1characterized in that the cover is a sheet of a synthetic materialhaving a multilayered structure incorporating an antagonist barrierlayer.
 3. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatsaid side wall (4) includes a flat portion (4″) lying at a smaller angleto the tray bottom (7), and in that said port (5) is provided in saidportion (4′).
 4. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized inthat said tray-type container (2) includes a barrier layer antagonizingpenetration of oxygen into the container.
 5. A dispenser (1) accordingto claim 2, characterized in that said tray-type container (2) isboat-shaped.
 6. A dispenser (1) according to claim 5, characterized inthat said port (5) is provided in the pointed forward portion (8) of theboat-shaped container.
 7. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2,characterized in that said label (6) is self-sticking.
 8. A dispenser(1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said label (6) is heatsealed.
 9. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatsaid self-sticking label includes an adhesive-free gripping tab (109′).10. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that itincludes a stopper (11) for re-closing it, which is adapted for quickapplication to said port (5).
 11. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2,characterized in that one wall (12) of the tray-type container (2) lyingopposite from said side wall (4) extends almost square to the containerbottom (7), such that the container can be made to stand upright on saidone wall (12).
 12. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterizedin that one wall (12) of the tray-type container (2) lying opposite fromsaid side wall (4) is associated with a pad (13) placed at the containerbottom (7) such that the container can be made to stand upright on saidpad (12).
 13. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized inthat said port (5) is a circular port of a diameter in the 14 to 21 mmrange.
 14. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe height of the tray-type container (2) is less than one-half thelength thereof.
 15. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterizedin that the height of the tray-type container (2) is less than one-thirdthe length thereof.
 16. A dispenser (1) according to claim 2,characterized in that said tray has a flat elongate shape.
 17. Adispenser (1) for granular or powdered food products (10), such asgrated cheese and the like food products in loose form, characterized inthat said container is a cup type (16), and that said port is providedin one side wall (14) near the cup bottom (15), a tear-off label (6)being arranged to cover the port (5).
 18. A dispenser (1) according toclaim 17, characterized in that said label (6) is self-sticking and ithas a multi-layered structure incorporating an antagonist barrier layer.19. A dispenser (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that saidlabel (6) is heat sealed and it has a multi-layered structureincorporating an antagonist barrier layer.
 20. A dispenser (1) accordingto claim 17, characterized in that said self-sticking label (6) includesan adhesive-free gripping tab (109).
 21. A dispenser (1) according toclaim 17, characterized in that it includes a stopper (11) forre-closing it, which is adapted for quick application to said port (5).22. A dispenser (101) according to claim 1, characterised in that it isa bi-valve holder (120) comprising a first valve (104) and second valve(105) closed on themselves, wherein the two valves (104, 105) have eachsubstantially a tray type shape and are moulded in one piece out of asingle sheet of plastic synthetic material, said valves being joinedalong an edge line (106), with at least one valve being equipped with adispensing hole (114) and a label (116), which is a multilayer andincorporating said barrier layer and is removable by tearing, to coverthe hole (114).
 23. A dispenser (101) according to claim 22,characterised in that said valves (104, 105) are tray-shaped and saidedge line (106) coincides with a short side edge of the tray shape sothat, with the valves closed on themselves, the dispenser (101) has aflat supporting bottom (102).
 24. A dispenser (101) according to claim22, characterised in that it comprises, in correspondence with at leastone valve (104, 105) a flat top portion (113) sloping to thelongitudinal axis, said hole (114) being drilled therein.
 25. Adispenser (101) according to claim 22, characterised in that said valves(104, 105) are closed on themselves with coincident heat-sealed side(109, 110) and top (111, 112) edges.
 26. A dispenser (101) according toclaim 22, characterised in that it incorporates a barrier layereffective to repel oxygen penetration into the dispenser.
 27. Adispenser (101) according to claim 26, characterised in that said label(116) is self-adhesive.
 28. A dispenser (101) according to claim 26,characterised in that said label (116) is heat-sealed.
 29. A dispenser(101) according to claim 22, characterised in that said self-adhesivelabel comprises an adhesive-free grip appendix (115).
 30. A dispenser(101) according to claim 22, characterised in that it is equipped with aclosing plug (117) for quick application in said hole (114).
 31. Adispenser (101) according to claim 22, characterised in that said hole(114) is circular, and has a diameter comprised between 14 and 22 mm.32. A process for manufacturing a dispenser (101) of granular orpowdered food products (119), e.g. grated cheese and similar loose foodproducts, wherein the dispenser (101) is a bi-valve holder (120)comprising a first valve (104) and a second valve (105) closed onthemselves, each valve (104, 105) being moulded in one piece out of asingle sheet of synthetic material which comprises a barrier layer andbeing joined along an edge line (106), said valves (104, 105) havingheat-sealed side edges (109, 110) and simply approached top edges (111,112), characterised in that it automatically provides the followingsteps: opening of the dispenser upper end by pressing on said side edges(109, 110) with subsequent expansion due to the fact that said top edges(111, 112) move away from each other; filling with the loose foodproduct (119) through said opening; heat-sealing of said top edges (111,112).
 33. A process according to claim 32, characterised in that, beforethe filling step, a preliminary step is provided, wherein a hole (114)is drilled in a top flat portion (113) of one of said valves (104, 105)by punching said flat portion (113) through an outer punch (157) and anopposed inner clashing element (156) inserted into the dispenser throughsaid opening.
 34. A process according to claim 33, characterised inthat, after said punching step, and before the filling, a covering stepby labelling of said hole (114) is provided.
 35. A process according toclaim 34, characterised in that said labelling step provides for theissue of a label (166) for sealing said hole (114), equipped with abarrier layer and combined with a tape (161) extended between a pair ofreels (163, 164) located above the holder (120), and a pressing actionon said label (166) to ensure the bond thereof.
 36. A process accordingto claim 32, characterised in that said heat-sealing step of the topedges (111, 112) is provided downstream of the filling andsimultaneously to the previous operative steps.
 37. A process accordingto claim 32, characterised in that said heat-sealing step of the topedges (111, 112) is performed through the pressure exerted by a pair ofheated operative heads activated to reciprocally move away from andapproach to said top edges (111, 112).
 38. An apparatus (130) forimplementing the process according to claim 32, characterised in that itcomprises a plurality of workstations (145, 155, 160, 170, 177) locatedaround a rotating turntable (131) equipped with a plurality ofperimetral angularly spaced slots (133) for corresponding holders (120),each slot (133) being associated to a pliers (138) with opposed jaws(140, 141) operating on the side ribbings (0.107, 108) of each holder toallow said opening of the dispenser upper end.
 39. An apparatusaccording to claim 38, characterised in that each slot is provided withan housing (134) with shape fit to the lower portion of the holder(120).
 40. An apparatus according to claim 38, characterised in that itcomprises, in operative order, a feeding station (145) of the holders(120) in said corresponding slots (133), a punching station (155) fordrilling said hole (114) in a top portion (113) of the holder, alabelling station (160) for sealing said hole (114) with a coveringbarrier label (166), a filling station (170) for dispensing the loosefood product (119) in the holder (120), a shunting station (177) of theholders (120).
 41. An apparatus according to claim 40, characterised inthat said shunting station (177), located close to said turntable (131),is effective to alternately shunt the holders (120) to correspondingwelding stations (181, 182), operating simultaneously to said pluralityof workstations (145, 155, 160, 170).
 42. An apparatus according toclaim 41, characterised in that each welding station (181, 182)comprises a pair of press cylinders (185, 186) with arch-shapedoperative head and profile corresponding to said top edges (111, 112) ofthe dispenser (101), said operative heads being activated toreciprocally move away from and approach to said edges (111, 112).